2026 State of Origin Game 1 Teams - How The Blues & Maroons Are Lining-Up
New South Wales and Queensland have named their teams for the 2026 State of Origin Game One, with six debutants for the Blues and several forced changes for the Maroons due to injuries. Big inclusions for NSW include Addin Fonua-Blake, eligible under new rules, and Victor Radley. Queensland counters with debutants Jojo Fifita and Max Plath, also taking advantage of eligibility changes. Both teams face key absences due to injuries, setting up an intriguing and competitive series opener at Accor Stadium.
- NSW names six debutants, including standout Addin Fonua-Blake.
- Queensland deals with key injuries, introducing new faces like Jojo Fifita.
- Both teams make bold selections under new eligibility rules for Game One.
New South Wales and Queensland have named their teams for 2026 State of Origin Game One on May 27 at Accor Stadium.
Laurie Daley and Billy Slater have made some big calls on their respective Blues and Maroons line-ups for the opening game of the series.
New South Wales Team & Squad
NSW come into Game One with six debutants, which is a significant number for a team looking to reclaim the shield.
Addin Fonua-Blake is the standout new face, eligible for the Blues after this year's rule changes, and he is set to be a handful for any forward pack in the competition.
Victor Radley's selection has been a long time coming and he will add enormous energy off the bench.
Tolu Koula fills the wing spot vacated by the injured Latrell Mitchell, who withdrew on Sunday after aggravating a back injury, and Isaah Yeo was quick to back the Manly flyer to step up.
Mitchell's absence is a real blow. He has been in the form of his life and his big-game experience in that left centre role is irreplaceable on short notice. Kotoni Staggs holds his spot in the centres alongside Stephen Crichton.
Queensland's Injury Toll
The Maroons are also navigating a significant injury list heading in.
Xavier Coates, Josh Papalii, Jeremiah Nanai and Tom Dearden are all unavailable which has forced Slater's hand in several positions.
Briton Nikora's selection is an interesting one given he has played 16 Tests for New Zealand, but the new eligibility rules open the door and Slater has walked straight through it.
Jojo Fifita gets his debut at centre after a strong season for the Titans, while Max Plath earns his call-up from the Dolphins.
Despite the injury toll, there are 14 players returning from the 2025 series triumph which gives Queensland a meaningful experience edge in what shapes as a genuinely competitive opener.
State of Origin Game One Team Lists
| NSW | # | QLD |
|---|---|---|
| J. Tedesco | 1 | K. Ponga |
| B. To'o | 2 | S. Cobbo |
| S. Crichton | 3 | R. Toia |
| K. Staggs | 4 | H. Tabuai-Fidow |
| T. Koula | 5 | J. Fifita |
| M. Moses | 6 | C. Munster |
| N. Cleary | 7 | S. Walker |
| A. Fonua-Blake | 8 | T. Flegler |
| R. Robson | 9 | H. Grant |
| M. Barnett | 10 | |
| H. Young | 11 | R. Cotter |
| H. Olakau'atu | 12 | K. Capewell |
| I. Yeo (c) | 13 | M. Plath |
| C. Murray | 14 | B. Nikora |
| V. Radley | 15 | L. Collins |
| J. Saifiti | 16 | P. Carrigan |
| B. Brailey | 17 | T. Loiero |
| E. Strange | 18 | E. Mam |
| C. McLean | 19 | G. Shibasaki |
| D. Lucas | 20 | K. Finefeuiaki |
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